LOS ANGELES () — Three lawsuits were filed Monday morning against Southern California Edison in connection with the Eaton Fire.
A statement released by Richard Bridgford of Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian said, “Based upon our investigation, our discussions with various consultants, the public statements of SCE, and the video evidence of the fire’s origin, we believe that the Eaton Fire was ignited because of SCE’s failure to de-energize its overhead wires which traverse Eaton Canyon-despite a red flag PDS wind warning issued by the national weather service the day before the ignition of the fire. Our hearts go out to the many victims of this and the other Los Angeles fires.”
The second lawsuit claims there is “clear evidence from video footage, photographs, and witness accounts that the fire was caused by electrical equipment operated by SCE.”
Another alleges that SCE failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines properly and overgrown vegetation.
The Eaton Fire, which destroyed at least 7,000 structures and left multiple people dead, has burned more than 14,000 acres.
Surveillance video and witness accounts have been raising questions about whether the Eaton Fire may have been started by a downed power line.
The video shows power lines running through Eaton Canyon arcing in the high winds last week just after 6 p.m. Within minutes, it sparked a fire that exploded in size.
Surveillance video and witness accounts are raising questions about whether the Eaton Fire may have been started by a downed power line.
Last week, Eyewitness News reached out to Southern California Edison, which operates high voltage power lines in Eaton Canyon.
When asked about the fire’s origin, they directed 7 to a statement saying they do not believe their equipment was involved: “To date, no fire agency has suggested that SCE’s electric facilities were involved in the ignition or requested the removal and retention of any SCE equipment.”
7 reached out to Southern California Edison on Monday about the lawsuits and is awaiting a response.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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